SP Awantipora Mr Zahid Malik confirmed to news Agency that the father of Riyaz Naikoo has been released. “Police had not arrested him. He was brought here only for questioning,” Malik said.

Police in a nocturnal raid arrested the father of popular militant commander Riyaz Naiko in south Kashmir’s Awantipora area on Thursday.

Riyaz, alias Mohammah Bin Qasim is the chief operations of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit. Sources said that police raided the house of Assadullah Naiko at Beighpora Awantipora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district and arrested him during last night.

When contacted SP Awantipora, Zahid Malik confirmed the arrest of Assadullah. “Assadullah has been detained for questioning,” SP Zahid said.